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Table 1 Stimulation electrodes with different levels of invasiveness

From: Functional electrical stimulation therapy for restoration of motor function after spinal cord injury and stroke: a review

Type

Typical current

Advantages

Disadvantages

Invasive

 Implanted

25 mA

High stimulation specificity

Require surgery

Suitable for long-term use

Placement cannot be modified after implantation

 Percutaneous

25 mA

High stimulation specificity

Require surgery

Suitable for short-term use

 

Non-invasive

 Transcutaneous (surface)

2 mA–120 mA

Do not require surgery

Unsuitable for stimulation of deep muscles

Easy to reposition

Often require higher stimulation current